Is it an older version, or the new "XL" edition? (http://uk.ps3.ign.co.../1215988p1.html) If its an older one you will have several gigabytes worth of updates to download. On top of that it will take a long while to install.

Also, get a wheel! The game has good driving mechanics most of the time, and the best way to take advantage of it is to get a Logitech wheel. With a pad it isn't that much better than previous games IMO.

Is it an older version, or the new "XL" edition? (http://uk.ps3.ign.co.../1215988p1.html) If its an older one you will have several gigabytes worth of updates to download. On top of that it will take a long while to install.

Also, get a wheel! The game has good driving mechanics most of the time, and the best way to take advantage of it is to get a Logitech wheel. With a pad it isn't that much better than previous games IMO.

Dammnnnn I got the PS3 bundle (console, 2 controllers + GT5 plat.), how will it take to download this update? Which wheel can you advice? I also ones saw a very cool Thrustmaster Ferrari steer which can be folded out or the F1 steer?

Depends on connection speed, but it took me a couple of hours. Just started in late one night and when I woke up it was finished. Probably not best for the system, but my level of patience wasn't there at the time.

As for wheels, I just went with the Logitech Driving Force wheel. The "Official" wheel of GT5. A bit noisy, but works great, and the little buttons allow for on the fly car changes (well, changes to traction control, brake balance, ABS, but they help around the track). Cost about 140 dollars (seen it in some places for only $100), and works great for GT5 and F12011.

Depends on connection speed, but it took me a couple of hours. Just started in late one night and when I woke up it was finished. Probably not best for the system, but my level of patience wasn't there at the time.

As for wheels, I just went with the Logitech Driving Force wheel. The "Official" wheel of GT5. A bit noisy, but works great, and the little buttons allow for on the fly car changes (well, changes to traction control, brake balance, ABS, but they help around the track). Cost about 140 dollars (seen it in some places for only $100), and works great for GT5 and F12011.

On the topic of GT5, is it just me wanting too much from a game, or can a game be programmed with engine mapping? Or traction control computers which are adjustable per corner, like the real thing?

Haha, whole night... mmmhhh so I need install the game to HD and then update it (just like on my 360)? I did not open the bundle package yet and will be my 1st ever time on PS3 so forgive me. Thanks for the tips, I saw Vettel on YT doing the GT wheel and looks nice. Think I will buy that one.I love the Ferrari F1 wheel, if it had working leds, I would have bought it (even I don't like Ferrari too much) and you?

Haha, whole night... mmmhhh so I need install the game to HD and then update it (just like on my 360)? I did not open the bundle package yet and will be my 1st ever time on PS3 so forgive me. Thanks for the tips, I saw Vettel on YT doing the GT wheel and looks nice. Think I will buy that one.I love the Ferrari F1 wheel, if it had working leds, I would have bought it (even I don't like Ferrari too much) and you?

The GT wheel works great. Like I said, a the force feedback is a bit noisy, but I love it. Another dislike of it from others is the rear "paddles". More like big buttons, but they work great. They don't get in the way of my hands when moving the wheel, and the shift knob reminds me of the old single seater shift design.

Pedals work great as well. The gas is a bit light, but the brake is just like the real thing. Requires some serious work to stop the car. No clutch pedal, but how many games is it set up for on the PS3?

Never owned the 360, but the PS3 is a good machine. Plays the games I want, and never had any issue with the wireless connection.

The GT wheel works great. Like I said, a the force feedback is a bit noisy, but I love it. Another dislike of it from others is the rear "paddles". More like big buttons, but they work great. They don't get in the way of my hands when moving the wheel, and the shift knob reminds me of the old single seater shift design.

Pedals work great as well. The gas is a bit light, but the brake is just like the real thing. Requires some serious work to stop the car. No clutch pedal, but how many games is it set up for on the PS3?

Never owned the 360, but the PS3 is a good machine. Plays the games I want, and never had any issue with the wireless connection.

Okay, you convinced me, I will buy that steer. Oh yes, I also want wireless connection! Need to check that out as well. Maybe we can each other (when I had some practice) LOL

360 is pretty neat, it ha smany download options, very curious how the PS3 will work, will try it out tomorrow!

On the topic of GT5, is it just me wanting too much from a game, or can a game be programmed with engine mapping? Or traction control computers which are adjustable per corner, like the real thing?

No engine mapping, but you can limit power of car down to 50%. You can set from advanced button layout controls for quick tunes when you can set brake bias, brake force, ABS strenght, and for 4WD cars front and rear wheel bias and for some Mitsubishis yawn control adjustments. These adjustment you can freely tweak when racing.

No engine mapping, but you can limit power of car down to 50%. You can set from advanced button layout controls for quick tunes when you can set brake bias, brake force, ABS strenght, and for 4WD cars front and rear wheel bias and for some Mitsubishis yawn control adjustments. These adjustment you can freely tweak when racing.

I know those settings, but you ever have that car where you go around some corners and even with a wheel you really need some seriously turned up traction control (8-10 on the settings), and one some corners, usually the long sweepers, where if you could turn it off, you'd easily gain 10 mph through the corner? I know you can adjust those settings yourself, but if you're going full bore through the Nordschliefe, you just don't have the time.

I know those settings, but you ever have that car where you go around some corners and even with a wheel you really need some seriously turned up traction control (8-10 on the settings), and one some corners, usually the long sweepers, where if you could turn it off, you'd easily gain 10 mph through the corner? I know you can adjust those settings yourself, but if you're going full bore through the Nordschliefe, you just don't have the time.

Sometimes you do with some cars. Some cars flat out need it turned on to be driveable. Even turned on to level 1 TC, with the Audi R10, I can get around the Ring about 10 seconds quicker than without TC turned on. Just because in some corners where I would have to baby, with TC, I can mash the throttle and get out of the corner much quicker.

Sometimes you do with some cars. Some cars flat out need it turned on to be driveable. Even turned on to level 1 TC, with the Audi R10, I can get around the Ring about 10 seconds quicker than without TC turned on. Just because in some corners where I would have to baby, with TC, I can mash the throttle and get out of the corner much quicker.

Naw, I'm telling you its never necessary. You maybe gainning time out of corners, but you're losing time in places you wouldn't think you would be. Give me your TC lap time and you'll see that it can be done quicker.

My experience is its always slower no matter what, which is why it's always off, even with cars that have +1000hp, like all the Group C/LeMans cars.

Naw, I'm telling you its never necessary. You maybe gainning time out of corners, but you're losing time in places you wouldn't think you would be. Give me your TC lap time and you'll see that it can be done quicker.

My experience is its always slower no matter what, which is why it's always off, even with cars that have +1000hp, like all the Group C/LeMans cars.

Yes, for a pad I can see how it would help. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying it is pointless, but you can be quicker without TC enabled. I race with a guy who uses a pad, I don't know how he does it, but he's just as quick as us wheel runners and we use no assists except ABS set to 1.

Yes, for a pad I can see how it would help. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying it is pointless, but you can be quicker without TC enabled. I race with a guy who uses a pad, I don't know how he does it, but he's just as quick as us wheel runners and we use no assists except ABS set to 1.

Look at some of the GT Academy times. Some of the top times every so often are held by this Japanese guy who uses a pad. I can't get within even a tenth of his times.

Quite a nice Sunday morning read over at Bild (amazingly! a GT5 player and a professional car tester compete to set the fastest aggregate time on two laps of the Nurburgring - one in GT5 and one in the real world.

You have to have played this game since it came out I think to even stand a chance of getting even slightly close to the top times, and as anyone who has played a proper PC based sim will know, GT5 is SOOOOOOO far away from what theyc an feel like it means you have to relearn your way of driving.

To be able to do insane laptimes with a pad is usually because they use special pads with clever tap throttles that can simulate TC, and they do so many, many laps that they know within an instant on any corner if they are going quicker or not.

The academy thing is a great dream, but for me proves little. Anyone can be taught to drive a race car quickly gievn that much training, preparation and attention. Most people who play sims would be able to do the same thing, all this proves is that to win it, you need no life.

The money aspect is in all console games and I think that takes away from the game. It, like you say later on, rewards those who spends hours and hours playing it. What's wrong with the plug and play?

You have to have played this game since it came out I think to even stand a chance of getting even slightly close to the top times, and as anyone who has played a proper PC based sim will know, GT5 is SOOOOOOO far away from what theyc an feel like it means you have to relearn your way of driving.

Not really. Yes, the game doesn't feel like the real thing, but outside a few sim games/mod, they don't feel like the real thing either. For the price (with a PS3, wheel, game), you can't beat it.

To be able to do insane laptimes with a pad is usually because they use special pads with clever tap throttles that can simulate TC, and they do so many, many laps that they know within an instant on any corner if they are going quicker or not.

Huh? Most people have wheels that I play with online. The PS3 pad has the triggers, and most have changed the settings to utilize them as the throttle, brake, rather than the default "X" and "Square" buttons.

The academy thing is a great dream, but for me proves little. Anyone can be taught to drive a race car quickly gievn that much training, preparation and attention. Most people who play sims would be able to do the same thing, all this proves is that to win it, you need no life.

And they also cheat. Follow the fastest ghost laps and you find that they follow lines that otherwise you not work on a complete lap, or wouldn't work altogether (like the guys who manage to actually gain speed and control while driving with most of their car is off course in the grass). I've taken the Skip Barber courses and have run cars in SCCA event in the US, as well as racing weekly at the local kart track, and I would bet I have more real racing experience than anyone ahead of me in the GT Academy, yet I'm, on my best runs, in the top 10,000 in the world. And I'm a college kid who has plenty of time to play.

I would love to know the process in which the top drivers are selected for the GT Academy competition. Is it the top drivers just based on time, because they doesn't prove anything. So what if you can drive a Nissan Leaf around Curva Grande at Monza hugging the inside line. Or getting around some esses (cutting all of them) in a Nissan 370Z. How will you do in an actual race car around a whole lap? Will you be able to last 500 miles around Road America, or do an entire stint in Sebring or the Nürburgring.

I frauded myself GT Academy and so far all gold without much hazzling. eager to wait Motegi there too!

The medals are something that I didn't worry about. Same with the Seasonal Events time trials. You get the gold and the money, but you discover you're still in many cases nearly 10 seconds quicker than the gold time.

The game play itself is terrible. AI is like comparable to being Sebastien Vettel racing his RBR-Renault against a bunch of Formula Ford cars. And once you put Racing Soft's on, you're seconds quicker with the same car.

But online it's a whole new thing. Like most counsel games, you have the idiots, but when you get the right friends, you'll find some good racers.

The medals are something that I didn't worry about. Same with the Seasonal Events time trials. You get the gold and the money, but you discover you're still in many cases nearly 10 seconds quicker than the gold time.

The game play itself is terrible. AI is like comparable to being Sebastien Vettel racing his RBR-Renault against a bunch of Formula Ford cars. And once you put Racing Soft's on, you're seconds quicker with the same car.

But online it's a whole new thing. Like most counsel games, you have the idiots, but when you get the right friends, you'll find some good racers.

My favourite things in GT5 at the moment are racing Clio Trophy races online, because with the spec car it becomes a much fairer race and more fun. The cars are great little things as well, so a lot of people can drive them quickly, again making the racing even more fun.

My other favourite thing is what I've been doing the whole time I've had this game, just driving by myself. The handling model and the way they've programmed the force feedback (with a few little hiccups along the way, they've made the Ferrari F1 cars a bit crap now) is the most natural and responsive I've used. You can get lost in your own head a little bit and feel like you're driving a real car. The physics are good and supple enough for people to develop their driving style as well, so you're not having to 'play the game' by driving a certain way with a certain setup.

Been playing it regularly since launch now, and can't see myself stopping for a long time.

The game play itself is terrible. AI is like comparable to being Sebastien Vettel racing his RBR-Renault against a bunch of Formula Ford cars. And once you put Racing Soft's on, you're seconds quicker with the same car.

And what forces you to use racings soft slicks? Event briefing clearly says what tyres opponents use and what kind of (remember, nontuned!) cars they use. Usually player has bigger marginal to tune up car and no tyre limits. Or is it so that game AI is too fast when you drive with equal terms?;)

My favourite things in GT5 at the moment are racing Clio Trophy races online, because with the spec car it becomes a much fairer race and more fun. The cars are great little things as well, so a lot of people can drive them quickly, again making the racing even more fun.

My other favourite thing is what I've been doing the whole time I've had this game, just driving by myself. The handling model and the way they've programmed the force feedback (with a few little hiccups along the way, they've made the Ferrari F1 cars a bit crap now) is the most natural and responsive I've used. You can get lost in your own head a little bit and feel like you're driving a real car. The physics are good and supple enough for people to develop their driving style as well, so you're not having to 'play the game' by driving a certain way with a certain setup.

Been playing it regularly since launch now, and can't see myself stopping for a long time.

Come race karts. Most are willing to tell you the gearing they are working with for the race, so you don't end up 20mph down on the straight.

Agreed on the driving alone. I dislike the Nordischlife as a race track. IMO, just not a good racing circuit. Too little overtaking places, and too narrow to get a decent run on the opponent. But alone, it's a great track. No worries about other cars, and due to that, you can really push it in every corner.

And what forces you to use racings soft slicks? Event briefing clearly says what tyres opponents use and what kind of (remember, nontuned!) cars they use. Usually player has bigger marginal to tune up car and no tyre limits. Or is it so that game AI is too fast when you drive with equal terms?;)

Nothing force you. In fact, I have opted to use those tires when I don't need to. Usually only when racing online do I bring them out (because everyone else uses them). When I started, I used the softs. You think you need them because it's Grand Turismo. You think that a game that big, that many copies sold would have an AI the is actually competitive. But after a few races you learn you're miles ahead at the end of a 3-5 lap race, so you cut back. The rules might allow for 500 performance points car with unrestricted tire choice, but none of the cars have 500 pp. So instead you tune down. Go for maybe 420-440 pp and the Sports Soft. Especially the lower powered cars. Unless you're driving/racing against the single seaters, or the high end race cars slicks are not even needed.

Nothing force you. In fact, I have opted to use those tires when I don't need to. Usually only when racing online do I bring them out (because everyone else uses them). When I started, I used the softs. You think you need them because it's Grand Turismo. You think that a game that big, that many copies sold would have an AI the is actually competitive. But after a few races you learn you're miles ahead at the end of a 3-5 lap race, so you cut back. The rules might allow for 500 performance points car with unrestricted tire choice, but none of the cars have 500 pp. So instead you tune down. Go for maybe 420-440 pp and the Sports Soft. Especially the lower powered cars. Unless you're driving/racing against the single seaters, or the high end race cars slicks are not even needed.

I like what they did with the latest seasonal event, although I have yet to beat the races in a car with less than 395 pp.

need help peeps what is the best all round wheel to get for the Ps regarding cost driver feed back and being user friendly? Also is there any difference between the RedBull X 10 and 11 cars with speed and what not?

need help peeps what is the best all round wheel to get for the Ps regarding cost driver feed back and being user friendly? Also is there any difference between the RedBull X 10 and 11 cars with speed and what not?

Logitech DFGT is cheap and good. The pedals are not great though. G27 has better pedals but is roughly twice the price depending on where you buy.

I have both the DFGT and G27 and the G27 wheel isn't any better (won't make you faster).

DFGT has more buttons on the wheel, while the G27 has extra buttons on the h-pattern shifter.

The money aspect is in all console games and I think that takes away from the game. It, like you say later on, rewards those who spends hours and hours playing it. What's wrong with the plug and play?

Not really. Yes, the game doesn't feel like the real thing, but outside a few sim games/mod, they don't feel like the real thing either. For the price (with a PS3, wheel, game), you can't beat it.

Huh? Most people have wheels that I play with online. The PS3 pad has the triggers, and most have changed the settings to utilize them as the throttle, brake, rather than the default "X" and "Square" buttons.

And they also cheat. Follow the fastest ghost laps and you find that they follow lines that otherwise you not work on a complete lap, or wouldn't work altogether (like the guys who manage to actually gain speed and control while driving with most of their car is off course in the grass). I've taken the Skip Barber courses and have run cars in SCCA event in the US, as well as racing weekly at the local kart track, and I would bet I have more real racing experience than anyone ahead of me in the GT Academy, yet I'm, on my best runs, in the top 10,000 in the world. And I'm a college kid who has plenty of time to play.

I would love to know the process in which the top drivers are selected for the GT Academy competition. Is it the top drivers just based on time, because they doesn't prove anything. So what if you can drive a Nissan Leaf around Curva Grande at Monza hugging the inside line. Or getting around some esses (cutting all of them) in a Nissan 370Z. How will you do in an actual race car around a whole lap? Will you be able to last 500 miles around Road America, or do an entire stint in Sebring or the Nürburgring.

Drivers go through a high intensity training process to weed out the gamers that clearly don't have what it takes. This is a combination of weight training, fitness and endurance karting events in real life. The actual game competition is only there to give you a shot at qualifying for the main competition. Yes the drivers get extensive training, and some racers consider this cheating in terms of not actually having to scrounge around for any lost dollar like alot do, but at the same time, for the likes of Lucas Ordonez, they've also missed great lengths of time in the development proces.

Drivers go through a high intensity training process to weed out the gamers that clearly don't have what it takes. This is a combination of weight training, fitness and endurance karting events in real life. The actual game competition is only there to give you a shot at qualifying for the main competition. Yes the drivers get extensive training, and some racers consider this cheating in terms of not actually having to scrounge around for any lost dollar like alot do, but at the same time, for the likes of Lucas Ordonez, they've also missed great lengths of time in the development proces.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about them bypassing the traditional route in motorsport. I don't really care how you enter racing. What I was saying about cheating, is that the top people cheated. They cut corners, they took lines that when they got into a real car wouldn't cut time, but would add time, and in most cases, get penalized by the race stewards. Why should the technical cheaters get rewarded, when there are clean drivers who are just as talented, but unwilling to cut the corners to get their name higher on the list? Not being jealous as I don't qualify for the competition.

What I was saying about money, was the in game money. The credits for winning races, and buying cars in the car lot. I don't like that part of GT5. Why must I play hours to make a few million to buy a decent race car? I'll admit, that is the only game I play, but I only got so far in the game before giving up on trying to beat the game. I just play karts online and putt around in the X1.

Is the new track worth getting? Also how is the oval as even though I hate watching racing on an oval I love it in GT5 haha

It's worth getting, the road course is quite technical, and whilst not electrifying it's different to the others on offer. I enjoy it. The oval is much different to the other 2, as it's a 1.5 mile track with one wide turn and one tighter one. Even in a Formula car you have to either lift or brake for the tighter turn, so it's not just about flat-out driving.

Daft question - the new free download car, does it appear in arcade mode or do you have to buy it in the career mode? Downloaded it but doesn't seem to have shown up.

First you have to install it (to the right in the main menu). After that you will have to take delivery in career mode. Then it will show up in your garage and you can mark it as a favorite to also use it in arcade mode.

First you have to install it (to the right in the main menu). After that you will have to take delivery in career mode. Then it will show up in your garage and you can mark it as a favorite to also use it in arcade mode.